Every kitchen needs a step stool to aid homeowners in accessing areas that are beyond their reach. While most people may confuse them with step ladders, the step stool is a kind of small household ladder that takes the shape of a stool, but with legs that look like an inverted V.
Unlike other ladders, this stool has steps rather than rungs. For kitchen use, these essential furniture come in a wide variety of designs and models, which may lead to a challenge when it comes to choosing the best. Ranging from retro, antique to modern designs, one thing remains clear; the fact that they should be chosen with utmost consideration.
While most homeowners may simply pick the first model they come across, it is wise to deliberate on a number of factors before finally making your decision. This article will act as a comprehensive buying guide for the best step stools for the kitchen, explaining the most important factors to consider when choosing one.
Choose the Right Height
What is the point of purchasing a step stool, only to realize that it won’t allow you to reach the most important areas within your kitchen? Well, you can picture the frustration you would have to go through if this ever happened to you. Before you go looking for this stool, you need to estimate the most suitable height and purchase it in that range.
Of course, you shouldn’t expect it to reach the roof or ceiling, so you need to be a little considerate with your expectations when it comes to height. These stools vary in height, but most of them have 1, 2, 3 or 4 steps, a feature that could aid you in choosing the ideal one for your kitchen. You should be sure to choose the right height because a very low one would mean limited access to higher areas while an extremely tall one will mean that it takes up too much space, and its stability is somewhat reduced.
Materials Used
The most commonly used materials in step stools for the kitchen include wood, aluminum, iron, PVC and fiberglass. As a rule, you should always choose the strongest and most durable material within your budget range. For instance, if you are working with a higher budget, than aluminum, iron and fiberglass are your best bet.
However, some PVC, plastic and wooden designs are affordable, yet amazingly strong for use in the kitchen. In addition to strength and durability, you should consider the possibly damaging elements that it could be exposed to inside the kitchen and around the house, including moisture, water, chemicals like bleach and electric connections. This will prevent probably damages and hazards.
High Quality Construction
In addition to the quality of the materials used, the stool’s build quality will also determine its strength and durability. You should always check to ensure that all the connections are secure and that the stool doesn’t look flimsy. The bolts, screws and rivets should be well fortified to prevent its parts from becoming loose after just a short duration of use.
It is also helpful for its parts to be easily repairable or replaceable. If you want your kitchen step stool to last longer, then make sure that it is built with quality in mind.
Consider Correct Duty Rating
Duty rating refers to the maximum weight limit and sometimes, the height limit of the ladder or stool. Step stools are majorly intended for indoor use, thus come with a lower range of duty ratings. When it comes to these kitchen equipment, you need to ensure that you choose one with a higher weight limit to ensure that a wider range of people can use it without endangering their wellbeing.
These stools are classified into 3 main duty ratings, all meant for residential application. The duty ratings include Type I, Type II and Type III with 250 pounds, 225 pounds and 200 pounds weight limits respectively. To choose the best type, you need to consider the total weight of the user along with the items or tools he or she will be climbing up the stool with. This is very important, as it will help you avoid injuries and property damage that may be caused by breaking or snapping of the stool due to excess weight.
Find the Correct Type/Design
While step stools don’t change much when it comes to design, the small variations could particularly change your experience using it. The first design consideration is the number of steps, which usually ranges from 1 to 4, as well as the distance between these steps. The second consideration is a foldable design, which not only saves space, but also makes portability easier.
A versatile design that makes it possible to use it as a side stool, shelves or side stand is also a plus. If it can also be carried and used from one room to another with ease, you definitely need to invest in it.
Think About Safety Features
The most common safety features found in step stools include anti-slip legs and treaded rubber-covered steps. The anti-slip legs prevent the stool from sliding off the floor when using it while the treaded rubber-covered steps offer ample traction for the feet, thus preventing the user from slipping off them as they climb up.
Another essential safety feature is the lock feature, particularly for stools that are foldable. Different manufacturers offer different safety features for different step stool models, and it helps to check them out, research and even ask about them to know if they are worth pondering.
Buy Within Your Budget
Your budget is what will often determine if you walk away with a topnotch step stool or just a basic one. Before investing in one, you have to conduct a thorough research and see the features that come with different budget ranges. This will make it easier to make the right decision that you will never regret.
Within any budget, it is possible to get a high quality type for your kitchen. All you need to do is research and exercise some patience rather than falling for any model you come across.
Conclusion
The right step stool in the kitchen will change all your culinary related experiences. For once, you will be able to access all the tight spaces including the top of your kitchen cabinets and the higher shelves. Now you won’t be struck with the fear of placing your ingredients on the top shelf, thus overloading and messing up the lower compartments.
With this guide, it has become clearer that whenever you want to invest in the ultimate model for your kitchen, you should consult the above tips on the factors to consider. With this, you no longer need to gamble, you just need to be sure of the step stool you are investing in.